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We've conducted evaluations on a wide range of vacuum cleaner types, covering upright, stick, canister, handheld, wet-dry, and robot models, all to assist you in discovering the finest option.
In a wide range of situations, addressing various debris sizes and types, we have thoroughly evaluated vacuum cleaners. This comprehensive vacuum market overview showcases top-performing devices across multiple categories and offers buying guidance for each type. Our recommendations stem from extensive, hands-on testing, facilitating your search for the ideal vacuum within your specific needs and budget. With this straightforward article, you'll swiftly become well-versed in the market.
Need a vacuum for something more specific, like your car or garage? Check out our best handheld vacuum and best cordless shop vac reviews. Or, if you find yourself away from home for longer periods or lacking time for cleaning, a top-rated robot vacuum will do the dirty work for you. Lastly, if you want something light and convenient for smaller spaces, we recommend checking out our review of the best stick vacuums.
Editor's Note: We updated our vacuum review on January 29, 2024 to edit for clarity and ensure product availability.
Dust Bin Type: Bagless | Cleaning Path Width: 9.5"
REASONS TO BUY
Exceptional carpet cleaning
Outstanding hard surface cleaning
Convenient
Exceptional maneuverability
REASONS TO AVOID
High Cost
The Shark Stratos stands out as one of the best upright vacuums today thanks to its exceptional cleaning performance, effortless maneuverability, and convenient lift-away feature. Shark has continuously improved its duo clean technology, equipping the Stratos with a dual brush roll system that effectively eliminates dirt and debris from various surfaces, including hard floors and carpets. In the last product update, they upgraded this roll to self-cleaning. No matter the type of flooring, you can expect beautifully cleaned surfaces. The lift-away feature enhances usability by enabling easy cleaning of stairs, accessing tight spaces under furniture, and reaching challenging spots.
After rigorous side-by-side comparisons, our testing team discovered only a few minor downsides to the Shark Stratos. Most notably, a reduction in weight and some slight improvements in its edging capability could be beneficial. Nevertheless, the Stratos leaves carpets looking expertly clean, and any edge-related issues are barely noticeable. Considering everything, the Shark Stratos stands as an outstanding vacuum cleaner, leaving minimal room for enhancement. If you seek slightly improved carpet cleaning performance, you might consider the Shark Vertex. It trailed the Stratos by only a point and boasted easier usability. Just note that the Vertex doesn't perform as admirably on hard surfaces.
Dust Bin Type: Bagless | Cleaning Path Width: 11.25"
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent maneuverability
Effective at removing almost all pet hair
Affordable pricing
REASONS TO AVOID
May need some extra passes
The Shark Navigator Lift Away took the top spot in our testing for its affordability and impressive performance. This model is extremely easy to handle and move around corners. Additional premium features of this model include a HEPA filter (so that dust and debris won't fly out of the vacuum) and a 'Lift-Away' mode, which allows users to take apart the vacuum and use it as a handheld vacuum. These two features are commonly seen on more premium upright vacuums, and you'll rarely see them at this price point. In the latest product revision, Shark made the Lift-Away lighter and added more suction in each mode.
Despite the overall strong performance, the Shark Lift Away has a few minor drawbacks. Cleaning debris from hardwood floors and carpets required a few extra passes, demanding a little more time, though not significantly. In essence, this vacuum caters to budget-conscious consumers without compromising on quality features. If your primary focus is carpet cleaning, you may want to consider the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional. It achieves the same rating as the Navigator Lift-Away and offers greater ease of use, albeit with slightly less prowess in handling pet hair.
Power Source: Battery | Cleaning Path Width: 10 ¼"
REASONS TO BUY
User-friendly
Excellent pet hair removal
REASONS TO AVOID
High cost
Somewhat noisy
The Shark Pet Pro was one of the top performers in our best stick vacuum review. This stand-up stick vacuum works like a full-sized machine — but is much easier to handle — leaving us with few critiques about its performance. This machine handles hair extremely well because the brush penetrates the carpet to extract hair while the agitator self-cleans. The Pet Pro comes with a crevice, a brush, and pet tools for furniture and stairs. Also, the “stick” portion of the machine can be removed, turning it into a handheld vacuum — a real plus for vehicle cleaning. The unit is just eight pounds, has an easy-to-swap battery that lasts up to 21 minutes (in economical mode), and has a swift recharge time of just 2.5 hours. The Pro does well on hard and soft surfaces, large and small debris, and its 37" articulating shaft makes it easy to get under the couch or bed without getting on your hands and knees.
Our testing revealed the Shark Pet Pro has undeniably impressive performance. Our sole criticism is that it tends to be a bit louder than other models, and when pushing the vacuum directly against a wall, there may be a small gap that the agitator cannot reach. And yet, by running the agitator perpendicular to the wall, this gap is practically nonexistent. An additional advantage is that this model is freestanding, a feature not commonly found in stick vacuums, allowing it to stand upright until its next use. While the Shark Stratos Cordless outscored it, the Pet Pro takes the top accolade due to its more budget-friendly pricing. However, if you come across a significant discount on the Stratos, it's certainly worth considering.
Power Source: Battery | Cleaning Path Width: 10.25"
REASONS TO BUY
Outstanding cleaning performance
Foldable design
Versatile power settings
REASONS TO AVOID
Lack of charging indicator
Relatively high price point
The Shark Stratos Cordless seamlessly tackles whatever mess is in front of it, regardless of the surface. This model gives other stick vacuums a run for their money, as it picked up almost all the oats and rice spilled throughout our testing area. A simple button click allows the system to transition into a handheld model for cleaning non-floor surfaces like couch cushions or car seats. This cordless model won't be limited to locations with power outlets, so you can easily float this around the entire house without replugging. The machine has average maneuverability, but you should have no trouble around furniture and tight corners. It boasts an impressive battery life, with power settings ranging from eco to boost. When all the cleaning is done, and you're ready to relax, this system folds down, easily packing away into tight places.
Unless you consistently run it on boost mode, the Stratos Cordless should last for the duration of your cleaning session. Though it's docked for charging, it lacks a visible charge level indicator, requiring you to turn it on to check the remaining battery percentage. With an inconveniently placed button, getting started may not be as straightforward as other models. It also weighs in at 8.9 pounds, although a significant portion of this weight is concentrated in the brush head. Lastly, it comes at a premium price. That said, this machine offers impressive cleaning power and performance, making it a worthwhile investment. If you don't want to compromise too much on performance but want a slightly cheaper option, then our Eureka RapidClean Pro would be a practical choice.
Power Source: Battery | Cleaning Path Width: 9.75"
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight and compact
Versatile design
Reasonable price
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited battery life
Difficulty with larger debris
The Eureka RapidClean is a remarkable cordless vacuum that excels in offering efficient and convenient cleaning solutions. Its standout features include a lightweight and compact design, which ensures exceptional maneuverability and portability, making it a breeze to clean various surfaces throughout your home. Powered by a robust 350-watt motor, this vacuum boasts strong suction capabilities, effectively capturing dirt, dust, and debris from carpets, hardwood floors, and upholstery. Despite not claiming the title of the absolute best stick vacuum on the market, its affordability paired with commendable performance makes it a noteworthy option.
On the other hand, there are some downsides to the Eureka RapidClean. One notable con is its battery life, as it may not require a recharge before some of its competitors. Our testers found it performs well on various surfaces, but some users reported that it struggles with picking up pet hair or larger debris, requiring more effort to ensure a thorough clean. Although the price is reasonable, some users have expressed concerns about the durability and longevity of certain components, suggesting that it might not be the most robust vacuum on the market. The premium models cost more, but they might be more cost-effective in the long run for some consumers. The Shark Pet Pro is a much more durable option that is reliable and efficient in picking up hair.
Power Source: Plug-in | Cleaning Path Width: 10 ½"
REASONS TO BUY
Simple to use
Effective on hard surfaces
REASONS TO AVOID
Challenges with pet hair
Requires disposable bags
If you want one of the best canister vacuums at an affordable price point, the Eureka WhirlWind is a top choice. This model was among the absolute best performers in our best canister vacuum review. We were impressed by its ability to plow through cereal, oatmeal, and flour in our hard surface and carpet cleaning tests. At 11 pounds, this vacuum cleaner is also one of the easiest to carry up and down stairs. We appreciated this model for its impressive cleaning performance, handling, and ease of use.
However, for pet owners, it might be worth considering an alternative unless budget constraints are a top priority. Regrettably, the pet hair performance falls short due to the absence of a brush roller. But, if you're willing to invest more dollars into a more powerful canister vacuum option, the Miele Compact C1 Turbo would be preferable to some buyers. It comes with a significant price increase, but it is matched by an equal rise in overall quality.
Power Source: Plug-in | Cleaning Path Width: 10 ¾"
REASONS TO BUY
Effective pet hair removal
Maneuverability
REASONS TO AVOID
High cost
The Miele Compact C1 Turbo is an all-around top-performing, albeit expensive, canister vacuum. The machine's key feature is a floor-cleaning attachment with a rolling brush (agitator) that makes it more like an upright vacuum cleaner while maintaining the advantages and simplicity of a canister unit. Given the benefits of having an agitator, we were not surprised that the Turbo did well on carpets of all pile lengths (but particularly on the shorter variety) and most debris types. Its swivel head makes it more maneuverable than most canister units, too, while its floor attachment does reasonably well at collecting debris in corners and against baseboards. While this unit performed well across the board, it shined when picking up flour (fine debris) and the toughest debris of all — pet hair.
While the Miele Compact C1 Turbo excels in handling tough messes, it experiences a slight dip in performance when it comes to larger debris (such as rice and cereal) on fluffier carpets, requiring a few more passes than other machines. Switching between attachments can be a bit finicky, affecting its ease of use. Weighing in at 15.2 pounds, it falls in the middle range regarding weight — not the heaviest, but not the lightest either. Nevertheless, the Turbo's ability to reach under low furniture and its substantial 30-foot maximum reach from an outlet to the attachment makes it a valuable option. If this vacuum cleaner aligns with your needs, it's a solid investment, but if you require a vacuum that excels more with hard floors and carpet, the Eureka WhirlWind is a good alternative.
The Miele Compact C1 Turbo is a premium canister vacuum with exceptional performance on various surfaces, especially shorter carpets and challenging debris, although it has some difficulty with larger debris and attachment switching.
The Black+Decker Flex Vac BDH2020FL does a lot for a handheld vacuum, and that's because it's a lot like a miniature canister vacuum. This model was a top performer in our best handheld vacuum review. The machine has an accordion hose for long reaches, multiple attachments for those hard-to-reach places, and high airflow through its one and 3/16-inch hose end. The Flex Vac did well sucking up animal hair and large debris, such as Mini-Wheats cereal, without clogging. Moreover, the little vac did a great job cleaning deep cracks and crevices (easily reaching 36" into a 3" gap), and it did above average in cleaning dusty surfaces with a brush attachment.
Despite its commendable overall performance, the Flex Vac exhibits certain limitations. Notably, it generates a noise level that can be disruptive to conversations. Furthermore, it faces challenges when dealing with heavy, caked-on dirt, such as what you might encounter on a car's floorboard, though it can eventually manage the task with persistence. Additionally, some convenience features are notably absent. For instance, its battery life is limited to a mere 15 minutes of runtime on a full charge, with a four-hour recharge time. If the Flex Vac is a little above your budget, a great alternative is the Black+Decker HHVI315JO42. This handheld vacuum may not be the same quality, but it does most cleaning tasks sufficiently given the price point.
The Black+Decker HHVI320JR02's performance is a mixed bag with some real bright spots, including a great price point and the suction power to pick up big messes. The narrow nozzle with the built-in extension makes it effective at getting to those hard-to-reach places without needing multiple attachments. Similarly, the rotating nozzle feature is a boon for maintaining a good grip on the handle when probing between couch cushions and the like. Also, the fold-down brush does well for vacuuming baseboards, though you must be mindful not to scratch the wall with the plastic backing. Finally, the Black+Decker HHVI320JR02's battery lasts ~15.5 minutes, weighs 2.4 pounds, and has an easy-to-empty debris receptacle.
Nonetheless, the Black+Decker HHVI320JR02 has its limitations. It doesn't perform well in tests involving pet hair pickup, and it struggles with fine debris like flour. Its effectiveness on high-pile carpets is also somewhat limited. Furthermore, this unit generates a notable amount of noise, surpassing the noise levels of other models in its category. Those who want a more elevated handheld vacuum experience would be better off checking our Black+Decker Flex Vac BDH2020FL review.
The Black+Decker performs admirably in confined spaces, such as between cushions, thanks to its slender, extendable, and rotating nozzle along with its strong suction capability.
The Roborock Q5 strikes the perfect balance between price and performance, all while packing in the most advanced features. This machine connects to a mobile app, where you can find options for no-go zones, schedules, and suction power. Here, the system creates a virtual 3D map of the home and outlines its cleaning path. The Q5 is among the smartest in the lineup, seamlessly navigating the entire space without bumping into furniture, walls, or those walking around. With few exceptions, like larger objects and pet hair, the system excels at tidying up various surfaces. It effortlessly cleaned up oatmeal and rice, even on fluffy carpet.
However, the Roborock Q5 has a limitation due to its low clearance, making it less effective in picking up larger debris. It also faces challenges when dealing with powdery messes like flour. While it still effectively handles hair, over time the strands tend to wrap around the bristles and can potentially clog the machine. If you are looking for an overall elite robot vacuum, the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra surpasses most robot cleaners in terms of cleaning efficiency and navigation. The only downside is that this cleaner is expensive and not for those on a budget.
The Roborock Q5 navigates effortlessly around obstacles, evading furniture, individuals, and restricted areas with ease.
Power Source: Battery | Cleaning Path Width: 1" (hose end)
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent hose design
Powerful motor
Exceptional accessory storage
REASONS TO AVOID
Relatively heavy
Average runtime
The Milwaukee M18 0880-20 is an exceptionally well-designed wet-dry vacuum cleaner. This model is easily at the top of its class in our review of the best cordless wet dry vacuums. It is conveniently streamlined and also packs a powerful electric motor that will bust the toughest messes, be they sopping wet or dry as a bone. Soaked carpets? Heavy nuts and bolts? Piles of sawdust? It will suck all that up without a fuss and, with its HEPA filter, will blow nearly particular-free air out the tail-end. When your work is done, the M18 has a slick, toolbox-like design that accommodates all the attachments and self-retracting hose within. Another nice design feature is the hose routing that runs straight into the can where others use an easily-clogged elbow.
Despite being a great vacuum, the Milwaukee M18 0880-20 is not without its limitations. It struggles when it comes to suctioning standing water on a hard surface, primarily due to a suboptimal floor attachment design rather than inadequate suction or airflow. Another drawback is its runtime, which falls below average for its category at four minutes and 39 seconds per amp hour. Furthermore, its weight of 10 lbs 2 oz positions it on the heavier end of its category. Nonetheless, its hose extends from 24 to 90 ½ inches, reducing the need for frequent repositioning. Another good option that is at a considerable price point is the Kobalt KWDV 0124B-03. This budget-friendly vacuum excels in efficiently managing messes, with a straightforward design that simplifies both its use and storage.
The M18 is a highly well-crafted appliance capable of swiftly handling even the most challenging messes.
Credit: Laura Casner
Why Trust GearLab
This complex and diverse vacuum market overview comes from hundreds of hours of researching, testing, and comparing these machines since 2015. Specifically, we tested these vacuums for ease of use, cleaning effectiveness on common mess types, battery life, and reach, to name just a few of our analyses. This overview takes the best machines from five vacuum categories — upright, handheld, canister, wet-dry, robot, and stick — and combines them to give a telling overview of the market as a whole.
We put every vacuum cleaner through exhaustive testing protocols in our lab - involving tens of different tests to assess performance in a range of common-use situations including: carpet cleaning, hard floor cleaning, vacuuming up pet hair, small particle cleaning (flour), and a variety of challenges including picking up oatmeal, cereal, and rice.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Senior Research Analyst Austin Palmer, review editor Jessica Riconscente, and author Nick Miley worked together to curate this vacuum cleaner review. This triad has well over 10 years of collective experience testing home electronics such as vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, kitchen appliances, and cordless tools.
Nick brings scientific experience gained in university research facilities and writing journal articles. Austin brings hundreds of hours of hands-on testing experience assessing products ranging from keyboards to photo printers, and now runs GearLab's testing site. Finally, Jessica has on-the-ground experience as a professional cleaner, working at hostels and upscale homes for several years. She is also a dog mom and understands the demands placed on a vacuum when it comes to hairy messes.
Our research analyst, Jessica Riconscente, spread out debris over a short pile carpet for our robot vacuum testing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Our testing of vacuum cleaners is divided into four separate rating metrics:
Carpets
Hard Surfaces
Ease of Use
Pet Hair
These metrics contribute to each product's overall score based on what consumers want out of their vacuum. The weightings for each metric will vary among different vacuums; for example, handheld vacuums are quite different from upright vacuums and therefore require different tests and weightings. This comprehensive testing and rating approach helps us to help you find the right vacuum for your household and budget.
The Shark Stratos effectively picked up all the debris in our hardwood floor testing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
How to Pick the Right Vacuum:
The first question you'll want to answer is what kind of vacuum you need to satisfy your needs. While all vacuums perform the same general function, there is a high degree of specialization in the vacuum market. A good way to conceptualize this is to think about the messes you'll most likely be cleaning and where. If this prompt made you think, sawdust in the garage, you're solidly in the wet-dry category. On the other hand, if you thought of heavily-trafficked carpets in the house, you're in the market for an upright, canister, or stick vacuum. The following is a breakdown of the various types of vacuums covered in this review. These categories will not only describe the machines but also where and what they do best.
Upright Vacuums
An upright vacuum is what many people think about when they imagine a vacuum cleaner. These machines are essentially the Swiss army knife of in-home vacuum cleaners. They are completely self-contained, with the canister, attachments, power cord, and extension hose all in one unit. A common feature in an upright is a roller brush or agitator that stirs up the debris for the vacuum to then suck into its canister — this makes them great for high pile carpets and hard texture surfaces where other vacuums struggle. These machines commonly have a hose that can be disconnected on one end and used with attachments like a handheld device for cleaning stairs and furniture. These are universal machines for household use, and their freestanding, self-contained design makes them easy to store in a closet or corner.
The Shark Stratos is an all-around impressive upright vacuum.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente
The scores to our upright vacuum review can be found in the chart below. You'll find that the Shark Stratos came out on top — not shown is its premium price.
Stick Vacuums
Stick vacuums are simply a pared-down version of an upright device that is often battery-powered, but not always. Stick vacs often lack the accessories of uprights, such as a detachable handheld device, but again, not always. Some of the more sophisticated devices are quite comparable to high-quality uprights. The main difference is the slender profile of the unit, which makes the vacuum easier to store but also means that the canister is smaller and thus will need to be emptied more often. As such, we think these devices make the most sense in smaller areas, rooms with less traffic, or limited high pile carpet.
Many premium stick vacuums come as lightweight cordless models, which allows you to move and vacuum throughout your home without difficulty.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The chart below shows the scores of our top-rated stick vacuums. Here you'll see that once again the Shark Stratos Cordless version tops them all — again at a premium rate.
Canister Vacuums
Canister vacuums are similar to uprights, with the obvious exception that the canister storing the collected debris is trailered behind the vacuum head and handle. This means that the business end of the vacuum is lighter and arguably more maneuverable. Still, it can also be harder to store in a closet or corner because the unit as a whole is bulkier. However, these machines do provide a bit of a sound dampening because the motor is in the canister, and some find them easier to use on stairs since the canister can be left on the ground or carried in one hand while the other is free to work the business end of the machine.
One benefit of a canister vacuum is the ability to easily drag it around your home or up and down the stairs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The chart underneath shows the scores of the canister vacuums we tested. As you can see, the Eureka and Dyson models performed neck and neck.
Handheld Vacuums
Handheld vacuums are essentially an accessory and are not intended to clean a whole house. They do well at getting into all the places your upright vacuum or canister vacuum aren't expected to reach. When we think about a handheld unit, we think about countertops, window sills, the car, or light spot cleaning when you don't want to get out the full-size vacuum. These devices are battery-powered, so the runtime can be an issue, but the lack of a cord makes them all the more agile and nimble.
Handheld vacuums work well for hard to reach areas.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
See the chart below to see how our handheld vacuums scored in comparison to one another.
Robot Vacuums
Robot vacuums are more than just a novelty. These machines offer users real time-savings when used correctly. While they are no substitute for a traditional vacuum cleaner (and the human running it), they are great for routine cleaning of the home and some light spot cleaning. The downside of the robot vacuum is that they require some setup, charging, have relatively small dust bins, and are not always intelligent — meaning that some cannot reliably make decisions not to run over something that doesn't need picking up.
Many smart robot vacuums now come with object recognition, like this Roborock.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente
See the chart below to find how the best robot vacuums in our tests have stacked up against each other.
Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuums
As the name suggests, "wet-dry" vacuums are designed to tackle a whole other type of mess compared to those units discussed above. Wet-dry vacuums specialize in big messes where water or other liquids are involved. For example, these machines can suck up a bucket of water into their cans, something we wouldn't dream of doing with an upright device. However, wet-dry vacs lack an agitator, so they are not great at cleaning large carpeted areas. When we think of wet-dry vacs, we think of work in the garage, motorhome, car, truck, or boat. Most of these units are battery-powered; thus, battery runtime will be something you'll want to pay attention to if you put them on big jobs. These machines are self-contained, compact, and powerful.
The M18 is completely self contained making it easy to use, carry, and store. However, don't be fooled by its simplicity - this machine can tackle the big, wet messes.
Credit: Laura Casner
In the chart below, you will find the scores for each cordless shop vac. As expected, the Milwaukee did an exceptional job.
To Bag or Not to Bag
While the bag debate was an important part of selecting a vacuum cleaner at one time, that is no longer the case. Nowadays, the vast majority of vacuums are bagless. This is a good thing for the most part because the lack of a bag reduces waste and trips to the store. However, there is no denying that, when emptying a bagless canister, some of the dust collected can escape into the air. If you are sensitive to dust, a bagged vacuum cleaner may be the right choice.
Bagless canisters tend to be easier to empty.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
This general overview of the vacuum market has highlighted the best models in the several classes of vacuums, including upright, stick, robot, canister, wet-dry, and handheld. Along with the overview, we have included a buying advice section to help you narrow down the market. These tools will assist you in selecting the right vacuum for your needs. With the proper vacuum, cleaning isn't just a chore — it can be an enjoyable task.
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Jessica Riconscente, Austin Palmer, and Nick Miley
